Today is Nigeria’s Independence Day, but I can’t focus on my country’s progress. It’s challenging to remain optimistic in the face of landlords telling you they won’t rent to you because “you’re a single woman who could potentially use the apartment for prostitution.” Until “Nigeria” addresses its treatment of women and LGBT people… oh shoot, I just moved back home, didn’t I? Guess I best get back to dealing with the country as it is.

Is the Self-Care Movement individualist or revolutionary? African culture prioritizes the welfare of the whole over the individual—perhaps too much so. But on the flipside, the individualism I’ve experienced in the US isn’t much better. Is balance between these two extremes even achievable?

I found this poemthing I wrote about Mother’s Day in my journal from about 2 or 3 years ago. I hadn’t officially had “the talk” with my mother, and though she already knew I was dating women, she seemed determined to avoid talking about it. So, instead, we talked about food, the weather, and Oprah. It was hilarious, and painful. Forward this to someone you know who’s dealing with something similar. And if that someone is you, you are not alone :)